Pakistan on Monday rejected what it described as “irresponsible and ill-informed” remarks by certain British lawmakers and members of the diaspora regarding the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), urging them to refrain from interfering in Pakistan’s internal affairs.

In a statement, the Foreign Office said comments made by some members of the diaspora in the United Kingdom concerning AJK were inappropriate and advised them to contribute positively to the societies in which they reside rather than meddling in the affairs of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.

The FO also criticised remarks and questions raised by some British Members of Parliament, saying they reflected a lack of understanding of the historical and constitutional context of the issue.

“For those still living in colonial times, it bears reiterating that Pakistan is a sovereign and democratic republic that firmly believes in non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and expects the same from others,” the statement said.

The FO reiterated that the governments of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir respect citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and democratic participation. However, it stressed that violence, vandalism, destruction of public property and attacks resulting in the deaths of civilians or law enforcement personnel could not be tolerated.

The statement came after clashes between law enforcement agencies and protesters linked to the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Rawalakot left four police personnel dead, including a sub-inspector.

Rawalakot Commissioner Sardar Waheed said 13 police personnel sustained bullet injuries during the clashes. All of the injured belonged to the Azad Kashmir Police.

He said civilians were also injured during the unrest, reportedly due to shelling, but added that the situation had since stabilised and clashes had ceased.

The tensions escalated after authorities declared the JAAC a banned organisation and launched a crackdown against its leadership. Among those arrested were prominent committee leaders Anjum Zaman and Raja Sohaib Javed.

The group had called for a long march and protest on June 9, prompting authorities to impose Section 144 in Muzaffarabad, suspend internet services and deploy Rangers and Frontier Corps personnel at key government installations, including the High Court, Legislative Assembly and Presidency.

The committee’s primary demand is the abolition of 12 seats reserved in the AJK Legislative Assembly for refugees residing in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, hearing a presidential reference, ruled that any move to abolish the 12 refugee seats would require an amendment to Section 33 of the constitution. The court said such a decision could only be taken by the newly elected assembly following elections scheduled for July 27.

The court observed that constitutional amendments must be pursued through elected institutions rather than street protests and emphasised that political disagreements could not obstruct the electoral process.

It further stated that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, demonstrations should not disrupt public life or infringe upon the rights of other citizens.

Separately, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government had already implemented most provisions of an agreement reached with the JAAC last year, including subsidised electricity and flour for residents of Azad Kashmir.

He urged all stakeholders to pursue dialogue, saying violence could not provide a solution to political disputes.

The FO also called on the British government to discourage support for proscribed organisations and encourage respect for democratic institutions, judicial decisions and the rule of law in accordance with the constitutions of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.